b'31Understand College Option 2: Early Action Admissions Options Early action allows you to apply earlier toandGenerally, there are five options for collegehear back sooner fromthe colleges you are most admissions. The option you select will impact wheninterested in. Applications are usually due in earlyApplying to Collegeyour application is due, when you find out if youto mid-November. Early action indicates that you are are accepted, and your ability to choose a schoolvery interested in a school; however, it is non-binding, based on how much financial aid it offers. Options meaning it does not commit you to attend the school.and deadlines vary by schools, so carefully researchOption 3: Restrictive Early Action the schools to which you are interested in applying. Restrictive early action is also non-binding; however,Option 1: Early Decisionif you apply restrictive early action, your only other early applications can be to public universities. ThisEarly decision is an option reserved only for theindicates to a school that they are your first choice school you are certain is your best fitacademically,and can increase your chances of being accepted.socially, and financially. When you apply via early decision, you promise you will attend the collegeOption 4: Rolling Admissions if admitted and withdraw all other applications.Rolling admissions applications are evaluated on Early decision lets you show your commitment toa first-come, first-served basis, until the school fills a school by applying by an early decision deadlineits first-year class. You will receive an admissions (often November 1 or 15, and sometimes January 1 decision within four to eight weeks of applying.for an additional early decision II deadline). MostRolling admissions allows you to apply to as many schools provide decisions four to six weeks later. schools as you want and to compare financial aid Early Decision and Financial Aid packages. Most universities in the Pennsylvania State If you are accepted early decision and the estimatedSystem of Higher Education use rolling admissions.financial aid package offered by the college at theOption 5: Regular Decision time of your acceptance does not make that school affordable for you, you may forfeit your admissionRegular decision is the most common admissionsand apply to other colleges. Remember, no collegeoption and allows you to apply to as many schools is your right fit if you cannot afford to go there. as you like and compare financial aid packages. Applications are typically due between November and February. Decisions arrive between March and April.Compare Admissions OptionsFactors to ConsiderEarlyEarlyRestrictiveRollingRegular Decision ActionEarly ActionAdmissionsDecision Allows you to compare financial aid packagesXXXX You hear back quicklyXXXXTells a school it is your first choiceXXDoes not require you to commit to one schoolXXXXIncreases your chance of acceptance, XXif you are a strong candidate If you wait too long, all spots may be filledX'